Ribbon positioning arrangement



Feb. 8, 1966 A. GRASHOFF 3,233,716

RIBBON POSITIONING ARRANGEMENT Filed April 25, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR,

jjlf'red Gm BY 2! J3 J2 11711227022! .9 S'Zriker Feb. 8, 1966 A. GRASHOFF 3,233,716

RIBBON POSITIONING ARRANGEMENT Filed April 25, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. 15065) S/wfo" United States Patent 3,233,715 RIEBGN POSHTIGNING ARRANGEMENT Alfred Grasholf, Frankfurt am Main, Germany, assiguor to Max Grundig, Forth, Germany Filed Apr. 23, 1%3, Ser. No. 275,044

Claims priority, application Germany, Apr. 26, 1962,

G 34,818 (Ilaims. (Cl. 197-457) The present invention relates to a ribbon positioning arrangement for typewriters, and more particularly to an apparatus for accurately placing the typewriter ribbon in positions in which a red or black portion of the ribbon, respectively, is operative.

In known apparatus serving this purpose, the exact position of the ribbon guide means by which the ribbon is raised, is corrected by adjustment of the linkage between a key lever operated rockable bridge, and a ribbon guide means. Other constructions provide adjustable tongues on the key levers. This type of adjustment requires a great deal of time, and it is difiicult to adjust the apparatus in such a manner that the red ribbon portion, as well as the black ribbon portion, are accurately placed in the typing position, when the machine is set to red or black typing.

Furthermore, since the raising of the ribbon to the op erative positions is terminated directly before the type lever contacts the ribbon, the ribbon is sometimes not yet stopped in the desired position, so that the respective type does not form a complete imprint, or forms an imprint partly made by the red ribbon portion, and partly made by the black ribbon portion.

It is one object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of known adjusting arrangements for multi-colored typewriter ribbons and to provide a ribbon positioning arrangement for typewriters which can be easily and accurately adjusted.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ribbon positioning arrangement for typewriters permitting independent adjustment of the red ribbon portion and of the black ribbon portion so that each ribbon portion can be exactly placed in the path of movement of the type of the type lever.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a ribbon positioning arrangement with two independent adjusting means of which one adjusts the stroke of the ribbon guide means from the inoperative position to a first position in which the black portion of the ribbon is used, while the second adjusting means adjusts the stroke of the ribbon guide means to a second operative position in which the red portion of the ribbon is used.

With these objects in view, one embodiment of the invention comprises ribbon positioning means movable from an inoperative position to a first operative position and a second operative position in which different portions of a typewriter ribbon are in an operative typing position; actuating means for placing the ribbon positioning means in said first and second operative positions respectively; and operating means, including key means, for operating the actuating means to move the same to a first actuating position or to a second actuating position according to a preselection by manual operation of setting means.

In accordance with the present invention, first and second independently operable adjusting means are provided which act on the actuating means for independently adjusting the first and second actuating positions, and thereby the first and second operative positions of the ribbon positioning means so that either portion of the typewriter ribbon will be accurately placed. in the desired typing po- 3,233,716 Patented Feb. 8, 1966 sition when the ribbon positioning means are operated under the control of a depressed key lever.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes control means connecting the key lever with the ribbon positioning means, and setting means which are shifted by the operator to set the machine to typing red or black letters. The first and second adjusting means are turnable eccentric members by which the setting means are adjusted in each of the set positions.

In one embodiment of the invention the setting means include a selector member pivotally mounted on a fixed support, and a spring-loaded arresting latch pivotally mounted on an eccentric pivot which constitutes the first adjusting means. The second adjusting means is also an eccentric member turnably mounted on the selector member and abutting the fixed support.

A control lever mounted on the selector member is formed with a cam slot receiving a follower pin of the ribbon positioning means. The cam slot has such a shape that the ribbon positioning means are not moved while the follower pin is near the end portion of the cam slot, whereby the ribbon completes its movement to one or the other position while the type lever continues its movement toward the platen. In this manner, it is assured that the ribbon does not move while engaged by the type.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invent-ion itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary plan view illustrating a ribbon positioning arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention, \m'th conventional parts omitted for the sake of clarity;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view i1- lustrating the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view, partially in section on line Ill-HI in FIG. 1 and illustrating the inoperative position of the apparatus when the black portion of the ribbon is to be used;

FIG. 4 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 3 and illustrating the operative position of the apparatus when the black ribbon portion is used; and

FIG. 5 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 3 and illustrating the position of the apparatus when the red ribbon portion is to be used.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame of the typewriter includes two lateral walls 1 and 2 on which a bearing support 5 for the type lever actions is mounted by means of screws 3 and 4. A row of key levers is provided, of which only one key lever 44 with the key 43 is shown in FIG. 1 for the sake of clarity. The key levers are crossed by a bar 40 mounted on a pair of levers 38 and 41 which are pivotable about pivot screws 39 and 42 on walls 1 and 2. Lever 38 is constructed as a double-armed lever having a fork-shaped end portion 37, as best seen in FIG. 2. A pin 36 on an operating lever 26 is engaged by portion 37 for turning lever 26 about a pivot means 27 on support 9.

A ribbon 15 is guided through a guide fork 12 mounted on an arm 11 fixed on a shaft 16 which is turnably mounted in a pair of supports 7 and 9 Whose base plates are secured to bearing support 5 by screws 6 and 8. Another arm 23 is fixed to shaft 10 and has a follower pin 22. Arm 11 has a stop projection 13 which limits the movement of the ribbon positioning means 22, 23, 10, 11, 12 in clockwise direction by engagement with an adjustable eccentric stop 14 which is turnably mounted in support 7. A sleeve consisting of an elastomer covers eccentric pin 14 to reduce the noise which may otherwise be created by the impact of stop projection 13 on stop 14.

When eccentric stop 14 is turned, the lowest position of typewriter ribbon 15 is adjusted whereby an undesired impact of the type on the ribbon is avoided.

The operating means 44, 4t), 38, 37, 36, 26 are connected to the ribbon positioning means 10, 11, 12, 23, 22 by actuating means which include control means 211, 24, 30, 35, and setting means 17, 48. The setting means include a selector or setting member 17 mounted on support 9 for turning movement about a pivot means 18 and being connected by a link 43 to manually operated means provided at the front of the typewriter. Suitable indicia, not shown, are provided and indicate three positions, namely black, stencil, and red. Selector member 17 is correspondingly turned between three positions. A catch pin 35 is secured to selector or setting member 17 and cooperates with an arresting latch means 31). In the first position of selector lever 17 corresponding to typing with the black ribbon portion, catch pin 35 is engaged by the notch 32 and held in this position due to the action of spring 31 which connects arresting latch means 30 with the stationary support 9. In the second position of lever 17 in which the red portion of the ribbon is used, catch pin 35 is engaged by the inclined surface 34 of arresting latch means 30 whereby movement of lever 17 in counterclockwise direction is limited. Catch pin 35 is located in notch 33 in the intermediate position of lever 17 in which the ribbon is not used so that a stencil can be made.

Arresting latch means 30 is mounted on an eccentric pivot pin 29 which is turnably supported on support 9. Consequently, by turning the eccentric adjusting means 29, the position of the arresting latch means 30 is adjusted, so that the position of selector lever 17 is adjusted if catch pin 35 is located in notch 32.

The second position of selector lever 17, in which the red ribbon portion is used, is best seen in FIG. 5. An eccentric adjusting means 45 on selector lever 17 abuts the edge 46 of the stationary support 9 and limits turning movement of selector lever 17 in clockwise direction. The position of the selector means in the second position corresponding to red typing can be accurately adjusted by turning the eccentric adjusting means 45.

A control lever 20 is mounted on a rivetted journal 19 on selector lever 17 and is turnable on the same. Control lever 211 has a cam slot 21 whose end portion 21a is partcircular and concentric with the axis of the journal 19. Follower pin 22 on arm 23 of the ribbon positioning means projects into cam slot 21 and is guided along the guide way formed by the same so that turning of control lever 20 causes turning of shaft 13, and movement of the ribbon guide fork 12 either to the operative position in which the black portion of the ribbon is used, or to the operative position in which the red portion of the ribbon is used. Control lever 20 has a coupling projection 24 which is located in a slot in operating lever 26. The slot has two end portions 25 and 28 and a central portion 16, see FIG. 3, which is open. A connecting pin as on operating lever 26 projects into the slot of the fork-shaped end 37 of double-armed lever 38, so that turning movement of lever 38 causes turning of operating lever 26 about a pivot means 27 which is secured to support 9.

When selector lever 17 is in the first position in which catch pin 35 is located in notch 32, coupling projection 24 is located in the slot portion 25. When operating lever 26 is turned by lever 38, control lever 21 is turned a corresponding angle and acts through follower pin 22 to raise the ribbon guide fork 12 to the position in which the black portion of the ribbon is operative.

When catch pin 35 is in engagement with the guide surface 34 of arresting latch means 30, coupling projection 34 is located in the slot portion 28, and consequently the effective radius of operating lever 26 is greater than before, and control lever 20 is turned through a greater all. angle to raise guide fork 12 to a higher position in which the red portion of the ribbon is operative.

When catch pin 3-5 is located in the notch 33 of the arresting latch means 3%, coupling projection 24 is located in the center portion of the slot in operating lever 26, and when the same turns, no motion is transmitted to control lever 20, since coupling projection 24 passes through the open central part of slot 25, 28.

As explained above, when the black ribbon portion is to be used, the operator sets the setting means 17, 48 to position in which catch pin 35 is located in notch 32. When the first adjusting means 29 is used for adjusting the position of the arresting latch means 31}, the position of the selector member 17 can be exactly adjusted, which causes adjustment of the axis 19 about which lever 20 turns so that the position of cam slot 21 relative to the follower pin 22 can be adjusted. In the position shown in FIG. 3, the setting means 17, 48 were set for typing with the black ribbon portion and in this position, the follower pin 22 is spaced from the right hand end of cam slot 21. This position is further adjusted by operation of the first adjusting means 29.

When the setting means 17, 48 are shifted by the operator to place the catch pin 35 in engagement with the surface 34 of the arresting latch means 36, corresponding to the use of red ribbon portion, the position of the turning axis 19 of control lever 20 is changed, and the follower pin 22 is located at the right hand end of cam slot 21, as shown in FIG. 5. This position can be accurately adjusted by turning the second eccentric adjusting means 45 which in this position abuts the fixed edge 46 of support 9.

The ribbon is raised from the inoperative lowest position a smaller distance to the first operative position in which its black portion than to the second position in which its red portion is effective, and either distance can be accurately adjusted so that the type will engage the center of the black portion, or of the red portion as desired.

By operating the first eccentric adjusting means 29, the distance between the follower pin 22 and the pivot 19 of control lever 26 is increased or reduced so that the guide fork 12 is raised more or less.

Adjustment of the second adjusting means 45 will also vary the distance between the follower pin 22 and the pivot means 19 so that the stroke of the ribbon guide means 12 is increased or reduced, respectively. The adjusting means 29 and 45 are easily accessible and are provided with slots permitting the use of a screw driver for a fast and accurate adjustment.

Members 20, 17, and 30 control the positions of the ribbon positioning means 22, 23, 1d, 11, 12 and are movable between first and second actuating positions in which the ribbon positioning means are respectively moved to the first or second operative positions thereof when the operating means 26, 37, 33, 4t and 44 are actuated by a key. The first and second actuating postions are accurately adjusted by the first adjusting means 29 and by the second adjusting means 45, as explained above.

Operation Assuming that the black ribbon portion is to be used for typing, the operator sets the manual control at the front of the typewriter to the corresponding indicia, which is usually a blue dot. Catch pin 35 is located in the notch 32 of arresting means 30. When one of the keys 43 is depressed, the key lever 44 acts on the operating means 38, 41, to pivot the same in clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 2. Operating lever 26 is turned in the same direction by the fork-shaped end portion 37 of lever 38, and since in the set position of selector lever 17, projection 24 of control lever 20 is located in the slot portion 25 of operating lever 26, control lever 20 is turned about its pivot 19 through an angle which depends on the effective radius of operating lever 25. The turning of control lever 20 in clockwise direction causes turning of arm 23 through follower pin 22, and thereby turning of arm 11 in counterclockwise direction so that the ribbon guide means 12 are raised. The turning angle of the ribbon positioning means 22, 23, 1t), 11, 12 depends not only on the turning angle of control lever 20, but also on the position of follower pin 22 in cam slot 21, or more particularly on the effective radius between follower pin 22 and pivot axis 19.

When the ribbon guide fork 12 is raised to the respective operative position, the black portion of the ribbon is located in a typing position in the path of movement of the type acuated by operation of key 43. The parts of the mechanism have moved from the position of FIG. 3 to the position of FIG. 4 so that the follower pin 22 is first guided in the right hand cam slot portion 21b which influences the turning angle of the ribbon positioning means 23, 10, 11 and thereby the length of the stroke of the ribbon guide fork 12. When control lever has been turned to a position in which the follower pin 22 is located in the cam slot portion 21a which is concentric with the pivot axis 19, the ribbon positioning means are not turned any further, and the ribbon guide fork 12 and ribbon 15 are at a standstill although levers 38, 26 and 20 continue to turn under control of the moving type lever 44. The follower pin 22 and cam slot 21, 21a constitute a lost-motion means permitting relative movement between the manually operated means and the type action on one hand, and the ribbon positioning means on the other hand.

Consequently, the type is still spaced from the ribbon while the same is already stopped, and it is reliably assured that the type hits the ribbon when the same is at a complete standstill so that a clean and sharp imprint is made.

When the operation has been completed, spring 47 turns levers 38 and 26 back to the initial position shown in FIG. 3, so that all parts assume their position of rest.

An adjustment of the position of arresting lever means by turning the first adjusting means 29 will result in a small displacement of selector lever 17, and in a corresponding relative movement of control lever 20 with its cam slot 21 relative to the follower pin 22. In this manner, the turning angle of arm 23 is adjusted with respect to the turning angle of control lever 24? since the radial distance between follower pin 22 and pivot axis 19 is varied. Since such adjustment influences the stroke of the ribbon positioning means and of the guide fork 12, the typing position of the black portion of the ribbon is adjusted.

Assuming that the operator shifts the setting means to the position in which the red portion of the ribbon is to be used, catch pin is placed in engagement with a guide surface 34 of arresting lever means 30. Selector lever 17 is turned, and the pivot 19 of control lever 20 is displaced so that coupling projection 24 is located in the slot portion 28 of the operating lever 26, while follower pin 22 is located near the right hand end of cam slot portion 21b.

Selector lever 17 is held in this position against counterclockwise movement by the surface 34 which is pressed against catch pin 35 by spring 31. Turning movement of selector lever 17 in clockwise direction is blocked by the engagement between the second adjusting means and the edge 46 of support 9, as best seen in FIG. 5.

When levers 38 and 26 are turned by operation of the key lever 44 acting on bar 40, control lever 20 is turned an angle greater than before, since the effective radius of operating lever 26 between coupling projection 24 in slot portion 28 and the pivot 27 is increased. Furthermore, follower pin 22 is now spaced a smaller radial distance from pivot 19 than in the black position, and the cam slot portion 21b is effective to turn arm 23 through a greater angle. Consequently, the ribbon positioning means are also turned through a greater angle, and the ribbon guide fork 12 is raised higher whereby the red portion of the ribbon is placed in the path of movement of the type.

When the second adjusting means 45 is turned, the relative position between follower pin 22 and cam slot 21b is adjusted, which influences the effective radius between pin 22 and pivot 19, and consequently the turning angle of arm 23 and the stroke of ribbon guide fork 12. Consequently, the stroke of the ribbon guide fork 12 to the second operative position in which the red ribbon portion is effective, can be adjusted entirely independently of the adjustment of the stroke to the first operative position in which the black ribbon portion is effective.

When the operator sets the mechanism to a stencil operation, the catch pin 35 is placed in notch 33 so that selector lever 17 is turned to an intermediate position in which coupling projection 24 is located in the center portion of slot 25, 28 which corresponds to a disengagement of the coupling 26, 24 since coupling projection 24 passes through the opening of the slot in operating lever as when the same is turned in clockwise direction. Control lever 2t) and arm 23 are thus separated from operating lever 26, and do not perform any movement during the actuation of the key lever 44. The ribbon remains in the inoperative position in which it is not located in the path of movement of the type. This position can be precisely adjusted by turning the third adjusting means 14 on which the stop projection 13 of the ribbon positioning means abuts.

In this manner, engagement of the upper edge of the ribbon during a stencil operation is reliably prevented.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of ribbon positioning arrangements for typewriters differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in an apparatus for independently adjusting the stroke of the ribbon positioning means for use of the black or red portion of a typewriter ribbon, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any Way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In a ribbon positioning arrangement for typewriters, in combination, support means; ribbon positioning means mounted on said support means for movement from an inoperative position to first and second operative positions, respectively, in which the higher and the lower portions of a typewriter ribbon, respectively, are in a typing position, said ribbon positioning means including a cam follower; manually operated setting means including a selector lever mounted on said support means for turning movement between first and second positions respectively associated with said higher and lower ribbon portions; control lever means mounted on said selector lever for turning movement about a first axis and being formed with a cam slot receiving said cam follower, the effective radius of said control lever means between said first axis and said cam follower being different in said first and second positions of said selector lever, said control lever means including a coupling portion; operating means including an operating lever mounted on said support means for turning movement about a second axis, said operating lever having a coupling element cooperating with said coupling portion, the eifective radius of said operating lever between said coupling portion and said second axis being difierent in said first and second positions of said selector lever; key means movably mounted on said support means and operatively connected with said operating lever for turning the same; arresting means for detachably arresting said selector lever in said first position; first adjusting means mounted on said support means and acting on said arresting means for adjusting the position of the same and thereby said first position of said selector lever; and second adjusting means operable independentdly of said first adjusting means for adjusting said second position of said selector lever relative to said support means whereby by independent adjustment of said first and second adjustment means the stroke of said ribbon positioning means to said first and second operative positions can be adjusted.

2. In a ribbon positioning arrangement for typewriters, in combination, support means; ribbon positioning means mounted on said support means for movement from an inoperative position to first and second operative positions, respectively, in which the higher and the lower portions of a typewriter ribbon, respectively, are in a typing position, said ribbon positioning means including a cam follower; manually operated setting means including a selector lever having a catch pin and mounted on said sup port means for turning movement between first and second positions respectively associated with said higher and lower ribbon portions; control lever means mounted on said selector lever for turning movement about a first axis and being formed with a cam slot receiving said cam follower, the effective radius of said control lever means between said first axis and said cam follower being different in said first and second positions of said selector lever, said control lever means including a coupling por tion; operating means including an operating lever mounted on said support means for turning movement about a second axis, said operating lever having a coupling element cooperating with said coupling portion, the effective radius of said operating lever between said coupling portion and said second axis being different in said first and second positions of said selector lever; key means movably mounted on said support means and operatively connected with said operating lever for turning the same; an arresting latch having a notch cooperating with said catch pin for arresting said selector lever in said first position and a guide face cooperating with said catch pin for engaging said selector lever in said second position; first eccentric adjusting means mounted on said support means for turning movement and pivotally supporting said arresting latch for adjusting the position of said notch and said first position of said selector lever; and second adjusting means operable independently of said first adjusting means for adjusting said second position of said selector lever relative to said support means whereby by independent adjustment of said first and second adjustment means the stroke of said ribbon positioning means to said first and second operative positions can be ad justed.

3. In a ribbon positioning arrangement for typewriters, in combination, support means; ribbon positioning means mounted on said support means for movement from an inoperative position to first and second operative positions, respectively, in which the higher and the lower portions of a typewriter ribbon, respectively, are in a typing position, said ribbon positioning means including a cam follower; manually operated setting means including a selector lever having a catch pin and mounted on said support means for turning movement between first and second positions respectively associated with said higher and lower ribbon portions; control lever means mounted on said selector lever for turning movement about a first axis and being formed with a cam slot receiving said cam follower, the effective radius of said control lever means between said first axis and said cam follower being d'rlerent in said first and second positions of said selector lever, said control lever means including a coupling portion; operating means including an operating lever mounted on said support means for turning movement about a second axis, said operating lever having a coupling element cooperating with said coupling portion, the eilective radius of said operating lever between said coupling portion and said second axis being different in said first and second positions of said selector lever; key means movably mounted on said support means and 0peratively connected with said operating lever for turning the same; an arresting latch having a notch cooperating with said catch pin for arresting said selector lever in said first position and a guide face cooperating with said catch pin for engaging said selector lever in said second position; first eccentric adjusting means mounted on said support means for turning movement and pivotally supporting said arresting latch for adjusting the position of said notch and said first position of said selector lever; and second eccentric adjusting means turnably mounted on said selector lever and shutting said support means so that by turning of said second eccentric adjusting means said second position of said selector lever relative to said support means can be adjusted whereby by independent adjustment of said first and second adjustment means the stroke of said ribbon positioning means to said first and second operative positions can be adjusted.

4. in a ribbon positioning arrangement for typewriters, in combination, support means; ribbon positioning means mounted on said support means for movement from an inoperative position to first and second operative positions, respectively, in which the higher and the lower portions of a typewriter ribbon, respectively, are in a typing position, said ribbon positioning means including a cam follower; manually operated setting means including a selector member mounted on said support means for movement between first and second positions respectively associated with said higher and lower ribbon portions; control lever means mounted on said selector member for turning movement about a first axis and being formed with a cam slot receiving said cam follower, said cam slot having a first slot portion for moving said cam follower and said ribbon positioning means during turning movement of said control lever means and a second slot portion concentric with said first axis whereby said ribbon poistioning means do not move during the last part of the turning movement of said control lever means, the effective radius of said control lever means between said first axis and said cam follower in said first slot portion being difierent in said first and second positions of said selector member, said control lever means including a coupling portion; operating means including an operating lever mounted on said support means for turning movement about a second axis, said operating lever having a coupling element cooperating with said coupling portion, the effective radius of said operating lever between said coupling portion and said second axis being different in said first and second positions of said selector member and key means movably mounted on said support means and operatively connected with said operating lever for turning the same.

5. In a ribbon positioning arrangement for typewriters, in combination, support means; ribbon positioning means mounted on said support means for movement from an inoperative position to first and second operative positions, respectively, in which the higher and the lower portions of a typewriter ribbon, respectively, are in a typing position, said ribbon positioning means including a cam follower; manually operated setting means including a selector lever mounted on said support means for turning movement between first and second positions respectively associated with said higher and lower ribbon portions; control lever means mounted on said selector lever for turning movement about a first axis and being formed with a cam slot receiving said cam follower, said cam slot having a first slot portion for moving said cam follower and said ribbon positioning means during turning movement of said control lever means and a second slot portion concentric with said first axis whereby said ribbon positioning means do not move during the last part of the turning movement of said control lever means, the effective radius of said control lever means between said first axis and said cam follower in said first slot portion being different in said first and second positions of said selector lever, said control lever means including a coupling portion; operating means including an operating lever mounted on said support means for turning movement about a second axis, said operating lever having a coupling element cooperating with said coupling portion, the effective radius of said operating lever between said coupling portion and said second axis being different in said first and second positions of said selector lever; key means movably mounted on said support means and operatively connected with said operating lever for turning the same; arresting means for detachably arresting said selector lever in said first position; first adjusting means mounted on said support means and acting on said arresting means for adjusting the position of the same and thereby said first position of said selector lever; and second adjusting means operable independently of said first adjusting means for adjusting said second position of said selector lever relative to said support means whereby by independent adjustment of said first and second adjustment means the stroke of said ribbon positioning means to said first and second operative positions can be adjusted.

6. In a ribbon positioning arrangement for typewriters, in combination, support means; ribbon positioning means mounted on said support means for movement from an inoperative position to first and second operative positions, respectively, in which the higher and the lower portions of a typewriter ribbon, respectively are in a typing position, said ribbon positioning means including a cam follower; manually operated setting means including a selector lever having a catch pin and mounted on said support means for turning movement between first and second positions respectively associated with said higher and lower ribbon portions; control lever means mounted on said selector lever for turning movement about a first axis and being formed with a cam slot receiving said cam follower, said cam slot having a first slot portion for moving said cam follower and said ribbon positioning means during turning movement of said control lever means and a second slot portion concentric with said first axis whereby said ribbon positioning means do not move during the last part of the turning movement of said control lever means, the effective radius of said control lever means between said first axis and said cam follower in said first slot portion being different in said first and second positions of said selector lever, said control lever means including a coupling portion; operating means including an operating lever mounted on said support means for turning movement about a second axis, said operating lever having a coupling element cooperating with said coupling portion, the effective radius of said operating lever between said coupling portion and said second axis being different in said first and second positions of said seiector lever; key means movably mounted on said support means and operatively connected with said operating lever for turning the same; an arresting latch having a notch cooperating with said catch pin for arresting said selector lever in said first position and a guide face cooperating with said catch pin for engaging said selector lever in said second position; first eccentric adjusting means mounted on said support means for turning movement and pivotally supporting said arresting latch for adjusting the position of said notch and said first position of said selector lever; and second adjusting means operable independently of said first adjusting means for adjusting said second position of said selector lever relative to said support means whereby by independent adiii justment of said first and second adjustment means the stroke of said ribbon positioning means to said first and second operative positions can be adjusted.

'7. In a ribbon positioning arrangement for typewriters, in combination, support means; ribbon positioning means mounted on said support means for movement from an inoperative position to first and second operative positions, respectively, in which the higher and the lower portions of a typewriter ribbon, respectively, are in a typing position, said ribbon positioning means including a cam follower; manually operated setting means including a selector lever having a catch pin and mounted on said support means for turning movement between first and second positions respectively associated with said higher and lower ribbon portions; control lever means mounted on said selector lever for turnin movement about a first axis and. being formed with a cam slot receiving said cam follower, said cam slot having a first slot portion for moving said cam follower and said ribbon positioning means during turning movement of said control lever means and a second slot portion concentric with said first axis whereby said ribbon positioning means do not move during the last part of the turning movement of said control lever means, the effective radius of said control lever means between said first axis and said cam follower in said first slot portion being different in said first and second positions of said selector lever, said control lever means including a coupling portion; operating means ineluding an operating lever mounted on said support means for turning movement about a second axis, said operating lever having a coupling element cooperating with said coupling portion, the effective radius of said operating lever between said coupling portion and said second axis being different in said first and second positions of said selector lever; key means movably mounted on said sup port means and operatively connected with said operating lever for turning the same; an arresting latch having a notch cooperating with said catch pin for arresting said selector lever in said first position and a guide face cooperating with said catch pin for engaging said selector lever in said second position; first eccentric adjusting means mounted on said support means for turning movement and pivotally supporting said arresting latch for adjusting the position of said notch and said first position of said selector lever; and second eccentric adjusting means turnably mounted on said selector lever and abutting said support means so that by turning of said second eccentric adjusting means said second position of said selector lever relative to said. support means can be adjusted whereby by independent adjustment of said first and second adjustment means the stroke of said ribbon positioning means to said first and second operative positions can be adjusted.

8. in a ribbon positioning arrangement for typewriters, in combination, ribbon positioning means movable from an inoperative position to first and second operative positions, respectively, in which first and second ribbon portions of a typewriter ribbon rare in a typing position; a manually operated setting member movable between first and second positions respectively associated with said first and second ribbon portions; manually controlled operating means; a control member mounted on said setting member for turning movement about an :axis and including a first part connected with said operating means, and a second part connected with said ribbon positioning means, said control member being turned by said operating means for moving said ribbon positioning means to said first operative position when said setting member is in said first position and to said second operative position when said setting member is in said second position and said axis is displaced; first adjusting means for adjusting said first position of said setting member and thereby the position of said axis; and second adjusting means for adjusting said second position of said setting member and thereby the position of said axis independently of said first adjusting means whereby the movement of said control member in said first and second positions of said setting member is independently adjusted in such a manner that said control member moves said ribbon positioning means to adjusted. first and second operative positions.

9. In a ribbon positioning arrangement for typewriters, in combination, ribbon positioning means movable from an inoperative position to first and second operative positions, respectively, in which first and second ribbon portions of a typewriter ribbon are in a typing position; a manually operated setting member movable between first and second positions respectively associated with said first and second ribbon portions; manually controlled operating means; a control member mounted on said setting member for turning movement about an axis and including a portion connected with said manually controlled operating means and lost-motion means connected with said ribbon positioning means, said control member and lost-motion means being turned by said operating means during the first part of the movement of said control member to move said ribbon positioning means to said first operative position when said setting member is in said. first position and to said second operative position when said setting member is in said second position and said axis is displaced, and said lost-motion means being effective during the second part of the movement of said control member so that said ribbon positioning means is not moved by said control member and confined in said first or second position; first adjusting means for adjusting said first position of said setting member and thereby the position of said axis; and second adjusting means for adjusting said. second position of said setting member and thereby the position of said axis independently of said first adjusting means whereby the movement of said control member in said first and second positions of said setting member is independently adjusted in such a manner that said control member moves said ribbon positioning means to adjusted first and second operative positions.

lid. in a ribbon positioning arrangement for typewriters, in combination, ribbon positioning means movable from an inoperative position to first and second operative positions, respectively, in which first and second ribbon portions of a typewriter ribbon are in a typing position; a manually operated setting member movable between first and second positions respectively associated with said first and second ribbon portions; manually controlled operating means; a control member mounted on said setting member for turning movement about an axis and including a first part connected with said operating means, and a second part connected with said ribbon positioning means, said control member being turned by said operating means for moving said ribbon positioning means to said first operative position when said setting member is in said first position and to said second operative position when said, setting member is in said second position and said axis is displaced; adjusting means for adjusting said positions of said setting member and thereby the position of said axis whereby the movement of said control member in said first and second positions of said setting member is adjusted in such a manner that said control member moves said ribbon positioning means to adjusted first and second operative positions.

11. In a ribbon positioning arrangement for typewriters, in combination, ribbon positioning means movable from an inoperative position to first and second operative positions, respectively, in which first and second ribbon portions of a typewriter ribbon are in a typing position; a manually operated setting member movable between first and second positions respectively associated with said first and second ribbon portions; manually controlled operating means; a control member mounted on said setting member for turning movement about an axis and including being turned by said operating means, lostmotion :means connected with said ribbon positioning means, said control member and lost-motion means being and confined in said first or second position during the first part of the movement of said control membcr to move said ribbon positioning to said first operative position when said setting member is in said first position and to said second operative position when said setting member is in said second position and said axis is displaced, and said lost-motion means being effective during the second part of the movement of said control member so that said ribbon positioning means is not moved by said control member and confined in said first or second position; and adjusting means for adjusting said positions of said setting member and thereby the position of said axis whereby the movement of said control member in said first and second positions of said setting member is adjusted in such a manner that said control member moves said ribbon positioning means to adjusted first and second operative positions.

12. In a ribbon positioning arrangement for typewriters, in combination, ribbon positioning means movable from an inoperative position to first and second operative positions, respectively, in which first and second ribbon portions of a typewriter ribbon are in a typing position; a manually operated setting member movable between first and second positions respectively associated with said first and second ribbon portions; manually controlled operating means; a control member mounted on said setting member for turning movement about an axis and including a first part connected with said operating means, and a second part connected with said ribbon positioning means, said control member being turned by said operating means for moving said ribbon positioning means to said first operative position when said setting member is in said first position and to said second operative position and said axis is displaced when said setting member is in said second position; a stationary support means; first adjusting means mova ly mounted on said support means and cooperating with said setting member for adjusting said first position of said setting member and thereby the position of said axis; and second adjusting means movably mounted on said setting member and cooperating with said support means for adjusting said second position of said setting member and thereby the position of said axis independently of said first adjusting means whereby th movement of said control member in said first and second positions of said setting member is independently adjusted in such a manner that said control member moves said ribbon positioning means to adjusted first and second operative positions.

13. In a ribbon positioning arrangement for typewriters, in combination, ribbon positioning means movable from an inoperative position to first and second operative positions, respectively, in which first and second ribbon portions of a typewriter ribbon are in a typing position, said ribbon positioning means including a follower memher; a manually operated setting member movable between first and second positions respectively associated with said first and second ribbon portions; a control member mounted on said setting member for turning movement about an axis and operable for moving said ribbon positioning means to said first operative position when said setting member is in said first position and to said second operative position when said setting member is in said second position, said control member having a guide way for said follower member having a first part excentric to said axis and a second part concentric with said axis to that only during the first part of the turning movement of said control member is operated to move to one of said first and second operative positions; manually controlled operating means operatively connected with said control member for moving the same relative to said setting member so that said ribbon positioning means is operated between said first and second operative positions; first adjusting means for adjusting said first position of said setting member and thereby the position of said axis; and second adjusting means for adjusting said second position of said setting member and thereby the position of 13 said axis independently of said first adjusting means whereby the movement of said control member in said first and second positions of said setting member is independently adjusted in such a manner that said control member moves said ribbon positioning means to adjusted first and second operative positions.

14. In a ribbon positioning arrangement for typewriters, in combination, ribbon positioning means movable from an inoperative position to first and second operative positions, respectively, in which first and second ribbon portions of a typewriter ribbon are in a typing position, said ribbon positioning means including a follower member; a manually operated setting member movable between first and second positions respectively associated with said first and second ribbon portions; a control member movably mounted on said setting member and operable for moving said ribbon positioning means to said first operative position when said setting member is in said first position and to said second operative position when said setting member is in said second position, said control member having a guide way for said follower member having a first part eccentric to said axis and a second part concentric with said axis so that only during the first part of the turning movement of said control member is operated to move to one of said first and second operative positions; manually controlled operating means operatively connected with said control member for moving the same relative to said setting member so that said ribbon positioning means is operated between said first and second operative positions; and adjusting means for adjusting said positions of said setting member whereby the movement of said control member in said first and second positions of said setting member is adjusted in such a manner that said control member moves said ribbon positioning means to adjusted first and second operative positions.

15. In a ribbon positioning arrangement for typewriters, in combination, support means; ribbon positioning means mounted on said support means for movement from an inoperative position to first and second operative positions, respectively, in which first and second differently colored portions of a typewriter ribbon, respectively are in a typing position, said ribbon positioning means including a cam follower; manually operated setting means including a setting member mounted on said support means for movement between first and second positions respectively associated with said first and second colored ribbon portions; a control member mounted on said setting member for turning movement about a first axis and being formed with a cam slot receiving said cam follower, said cam slot having a first slot portion for moving said cam follower and said ribbon positioning means during turning movement of said control member, and a second slot portion concentric with said first axis whereby said ribbon positioning :means does not move during the last part of the turning movement of said control member, the efifective radius of said control member between said first axis and said cam follower in said first slot portion being difierent in said first and second positions of said setting member; and manually controlled operating means including an operating member mounted on said support for turning movement about a second axis and cooperating with said control member for turning the same whereby said ribbon positioning means is operated to move to said first or second operative positions during the first part of the movement of said control member.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 990,917 5/1911 Spiro 197-157 1,168,333 1/1916 Roebuck et a1. 197-157 2,541,191 2/1951 Betz 197--157 2,752,026 6/ 1956 Letterman 197-157 3,154,185 10/1964 Kamp 197-156 X FOREIGN PATENTS 580,767 7/1933 Germany.

381,472 10/1932 Great Britain.

381,517 10/1932 Great Britain.

DAVID KLEIN, Primary Examiner.

ROBERT E. PULFREY, PAUL V. WILLIAMS, ERNEST T. WRIGHT, Assistant Examiners. 

1. IN A RIBBON POSITIONING ARRANGEMENT FOR TYPEWRITERS, IN COMBINATION, SUPPORT MEANS; RIBBON POSITIONING MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID SUPPORT MEANS FOR MOVEMENT FROM AN INOPERATIVE POSITION TO FIRST AND SECOND OPERATIVE POSITIONS, RESPECTIVELY, IN WHICH THE HIGHER AND THE LOWER PORTIONS OF A TYPEWRITER RIBBON, RESPECTIVELY, ARE IN A TYPING POSITION, SAID RIBBON POSITIONING MEANS INCLUDING A CAM FOLLOWER; MANUALLY OPERATED SETTING MEANS INCLUDING A SELECTOR LEVER MOUNTED ON SAID SUPPORT MEANS FOR TURNING MOVEMENT BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND POSITIONS RESPECTIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH SAID HIGHER AND LOWER RIBBON PORTIONS; CONTROL LEVER MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID SELECTOR LEVER FOR TURNING MOVEMENT ABOUT A FIRST AXIS AND BEING FORMED WITH A CAM SLOT RECEIVING SAID CAM FOLLOWER, THE EFFECTIVE RADIUS OF SAID CONTROL LEVER MEANS BETWEEN SAID FIRST AXIS AND SAID CAM FOLLOWER BEING DIFFERENT IN SAID FIRST AND SECOND POSITIONS OF SAID SELECTOR LEVER, SAID CONTROL LEVER MEANS INCLUDING A COUPLING PORTION; OPERATING MEANS INCLUDING AN OPERATING LEVER MOUNTED ON SAID SUPPOORT MEANS FOR TURNING MOVEMENT ABOUT A SECOND AXIS, SAID OPERATING LEVER HAVING A COUPLING ELEMENT COOPERATING WITH SAID COUPLING PORTION, THE EFFECTIVE RADIUS OF SAID OPERATING LEVER BETWEEN IN SAID FIRST AND SECOND SAID SECOND AXIS BEING DIFFERENT IN SAID FIRST AND SECOND POSITIONS OF SAID SELECTOR LEVER; KEY MEANS MOVABLY MOUNTED ON SAID SUPPORT MEANS AND OPERATIVELY CONNECTED WITH SAID OPERATING LEVER FOR TURNING THE SAME; ARRESTING MEANS FOR DETACHABLY ARRESTING SAID SELECTOR LEVER IN SAID FIRST POSITION; FIRST ADJUSTING MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID SUPPORT MEANS AND ACTING ON SAID ARRESTING MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE POSITION OF THE SAME AND THEREBY SAID FIRST POSITION OF SAID SELECTOR LEVER; AND SECOND ADJUSTING MEANS OPERABLE INDEPENDENTLY OF SAID FIRST ADJUSTING MEANS FOR ADJUSTING SAID SECOND POSITION OF SAID SELECTOR LEVER RELATIVE TO SAID SUPPORT MEANS WHEREBY BY INDEPENDENT ADJUSTMENT OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND ADJUSTMENT MEANS THE STROKE OF SAID RIBBON POSITIONING MEANS TO SAID FIRST AND SECOND OPERATIVE POSITIONS CAN BE ADJUSTED. 